A former sales manager at Oki Trading Company Limited has told a Nairobi court that ex-director Honey Khatwani instructed him to divert company payments into his personal Eco Bank account and the M-Pesa account of his wife.
Testifying before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego, Sameer Kewal Ramani said he complied with the orders out of fear, claiming Khatwani threatened him with consequences if he reported the matter to other directors.
“I knew it was wrong, but he was my senior and threatened me if I dared to report,” Ramani told the court.
Ramani, who at the time served as supplies manager, said his role involved delivering electronic and domestic equipment to clients. However, instead of channeling proceeds into the company account, he was directed by Khatwani to deposit the money into personal accounts.
The witness further alleged that Khatwani misled staff into working for Galaxy Middle East Africa Limited, a new company under his name, by claiming it was part of Oki Trading. Employees allegedly carried out tasks for the new entity without compensation.
During cross-examination, the defence lawyer pressed Ramani on whether he had any formal evidence linking him directly to the transactions. Ramani responded that the details were contained in an audit report already filed before the court.
Khatwani is facing charges of stealing $2,786,174.40 (approximately Ksh 356.7 million) from Oki Trading Company Limited between January 2020 and June 2024. The funds, which allegedly came into his possession through his position as director, were said to belong to Oki General Trading Limited.
The hearing will resume on October 22 and 23, 2025.
